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Judges

There are currently about 150 Provincial Court judges in various locations throughout the province. When appointed, each judge is assigned an office in a particular judicial region, though many judges are required to travel regularly to other areas, in order to meet the demand for judges in the more than 80 locations where Provincial Court is held.

Most Provincial Court judges work full-time. However, judges aged 55 or older, with at least 10 years of service, may elect to hold office as a part-time judge.

Judges conduct trials and other proceedings in criminal, youth, family, and civil matters. They also perform judicial mediation in family and civil settlement conferences. But judges also do considerable work outside the courtroom – reading, writing, public speaking, and committee work.

When they reserve judgment, judges research and prepare written reasons for their decisions. In order to keep abreast of the law they regularly read new legislation as well as reasons for judgment issued by other Provincial Court judges and by judges of other courts, particularly B.C. courts and the Supreme Court of Canada. They also read articles commenting on recent judgments and on trends in the law.

Judges consider written applications for search warrants in their offices. They also speak frequently to students, service clubs, community groups, justice system professionals and others. They attend swearing in ceremonies for police officers and municipal councils and school boards. Many judges also volunteer their time to serve on committees to help the Court or to liaise with court users and community organizations. Judges also organize and present education programs for their colleagues.